Character Vault
Any Concept / Any System
Compendium
Your System Come To Life
Roll20 for Android
Streamlined for your Tablet
Roll20 for iPad
Streamlined for your Tablet

Personal tools

Difference between revisions of "Game Management"

From Roll20 Wiki

Jump to: navigation, search
m (Joined Players: fixed single quotes)
m (Creator)
 
(92 intermediate revisions by 16 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
== My Games ==
+
{{revdate}}{{HCbox| {{hc|articles/360039715753-Game-Management Here}} }}
The '''My Games''' page is accessible under the '''Games''' entry of the menu bar. (You can also access it by just clicking '''Games''' in the menu!) From the '''My Games''' page, you can join games, create games, manage the games you are a part of.
+
[[File:Game Details Page-v2.jpg|border|right|500px|The "Game Details" page for a  game.]]This is a page detailing how to manage and changes settings for individual Games/Campaigns. See the '''[[My Games]]'''-page for info on all of your games.
  
[[File:MyGames4.png||border]]
+
=Game Details Page=
 +
Each [[creator|game you create]] in Roll20 has its own dedicated Details Page. This is where [[player]] invites can be managed as well as changing any of the game’s settings. Before they hop into the VTT, this is also the first page new players see after accepting an invite to a game. From this page, [[players]] can keep track of in-between session content, such as the next game session's date as well as asking questions and starting discussions via the game’s dedicated private forum.<br />
  
=== Search ===
 
Across the top of '''My Games''' is a search bar.  You can use the search bar to filter your '''Game List''' based on tags and keywords.
 
  
=== Buttons ===
+
The '''[[Game Settings Page]]''' contains a number of settings such as what [[Character Sheet|character sheet]] is used and it's default settings, as well as {{Compendium}} settings, such as [[Compendium Sharing]].
At the top right are a collection of buttons for manipulating your games.
+
* '''+ Start New Game''' takes you thought the game creation system to setup a new game.
+
* '''Access Dev Server''' takes you to the Dev Server, a '''Pro'' subscription perk.
+
* '''Copy from Dev''' takes you to a page that lets you copy a game from the Dev Server to the Production Server, a '''Pro'' subscription perk.
+
* '''Find a Group''' takes you to the Looking for Group Tool, so you can find more games to add to your Game List.
+
  
=== My Tags ===
+
__TOC__
On the right edge is the '''My Tags''' box lists all the tags you have defined in decreasing order by how many games have them.  You can click a tag to instantly filter the list down to only games with that tag.
+
==Inviting and Managing Players==
 +
On the right hand side of this page is where you can invite and manage the players who will join your game. Within a single game, there are three different roles that a Roll20 user can assume:
 +
====[[Creator]]====
 +
The game’s [[Creator]] is the Roll20 user who originally created the game. There is only ever one Creator for a Roll20 game. They have complete control over all of the game's settings and any [[subscription]] perks ([[Dynamic Lighting]], F/X Tool, [[Mod|Mod Scripts]] , etc…) that the game can benefit from are based on which subscription level the creator’s account currently has. Likewise, content such as Game Add-ons must be bought on the Creator’s account in order for them to be added to the game.<br />
  
=== Game List ===
+
The Creator’s profile image and name  are highlighted in purple in the upper right corner of this page. General use stats such as the account creation date and collective hours played are also listed. Clicking on either their name or their profile image will navigate to their Profile Page.
  
The bulk of the page is taken up by the Game List, which shows all the games you can access.  Each listed game shows several pieces of information:
+
====[[Player]]====
* Click the '''Game Title''' to be taken to the '''Game Details''' page.
+
Anyone else who joins the game will be listed as a '''[[Player]]'''. This section is listed right underneath the Creator in light grey. Players who join the game will be listed in this section with their profile icon followed by their name underneath. They are listed chronologically by when they first joined the game.
* The '''Game Image''' will also take you to the '''Game Details''' page.
+
* '''Join Game''' will take you straight into the tabletop for the game.
+
* '''Player Icons''' are listed for each game, showing you who else plays that game.
+
* The '''Last Played On''' date tells you when last the game was in session.
+
** Games created by you have a '''Creator''' badge.
+
** Games you are a Co-GM on have a '''GM''' badge.
+
** Games you are a player in are unadorned.
+
  
 +
====[[GM]]====
 +
[[File:GM Promotion.png|framed|right|Player Steve has been Promoted to the GM Role. His profile image now has a "GM" icon displayed over it to note the role.]]
 +
The Creator of the game can promote one or more Players in a game to the role of '''[[GM]]'''(Game Master). A GM is granted access to alter, add, and delete most of the game's content within the game, as well as access a couple of features from the Game Details Page. For this reason, the Creator should practice discretion when promoting Players to this role so these privileges are not abused. A GM, like the Creator, will load into the game on the VTT in GM Mode rather than Player Mode.<br />
  
== Game Details ==
 
[[File:GameDetails2.png|border]]
 
  
Each '''Game''' you create in Roll20 has its own dedicated details page.  For '''Game''' '''Creators''' and '''GMs''', this is the primary configuration portal for the '''Game'''.  For '''Players''', this is the centralized location for out-of-game resources such at '''Journal''' entries and the '''Game's''' private '''Forum'''.
+
A promoted player will have a blue “GM” tag added to the upper left of their profile icon in the Player List.<br /><br />
  
==== Game Icon ====
+
===Inviting, Promoting, and Removing Players From a Game===
At the top of the Game Details page is the '''Game Icon''', which is used to represent your game in the '''Game List''' and '''Looking For Group Listing''' (if enabled), and also gives your players a feel for your '''Game'''. This uploaded image will be added to your '''Art Library'''.  To set the image, all you need to do is drag a file onto this section, or click the '''Choose a File...''' button to be prompted to find a file on your computer.  If you already have a '''Game Icon''' and want to change it, you can hover over the image and click the '''Change Image''' link.  
+
====Inviting Players====
 +
At the top of the light grey Players section is an '''Invite Players''' button. Clicking on this opens a dialog box that allow you to send invites out via email adresses, view pending invitations, and also list the game’s unique join link URL that you can copy and send to friends so they can join the game directly.<br />
  
==== Game Name ====
+
====Promoting and Demoting Players====
The '''Game Name''' is used to identify your '''Game''' in the '''Game List''' and '''Looking For Group Listing.''' You can change the '''Game Name''' at any time by clicking the name to edit it. Once you are satisfied with the name, you can click the '''Save''' button.
+
As the game’s creator, you have two options available to you when you hover your mouse over a player’s icon or name:
 +
* ‘’’Promote to GM/Demote to Player’’’: This will elevate a player to GM Status or demote a GM back to player status. This option changes depending on the current status of the player.<br />
 +
<br />
  
=== Players ===
+
====Removing a Player From the Game====
The Players section down the right side shows information about the players who are members of this game.  
+
* ‘’’Kick from Game’’': This will remove the [[Player]] from the game, and change the unique "Invite Player" link URL of the game, disabling to old url. This will prevent the Player from rejoin the game with the previous join link.<br />
 +
<br />
  
==== Creator ====
+
To invite back a previously kicked player to the game, you need to share them the new invite link.
At the top is a section that describes the game's '''Creator'''.  Clicking anywhere in this section will take you to the '''Creator´s''' user page.
+
  
[[File:GameDetails_PlayerMenu.png|thumb|border|right]]
+
Selecting either of these two options will cause the page to reload to process the new changes.<br />
==== Joined Players ====
+
[[File:Game Details Page-v2.jpg|border|right|550px|The "Game Details" page for a  game.]]
Below the '''Creator''' section all of the '''Players''' who have joined the '''Game''' are listed. Clicking any of the '''Players&lsquo;''' icons or names will take you to that '''Player&lsquo;s''' user page.  
+
==Managing Your Game==
 +
The rest of this page covers information and settings for the game. Most of these options can only be altered by the game’s Creator.<br />
  
'''Creators''' and '''GMs''' can click the '''Invite Players''' button to open a new window and invite more '''Players''' via email address, review pending invites and get a unique game ID link that can be copy and pasted to additional '''Players'''.
+
===Game Icon===
 +
At the top of the Game Details page is the '''Game Icon''', which is an image  used to represent your game in the '''Game List''' and '''Looking For Group Listing''' (if enabled). This image also helps convey the game’s theme to your players when they join it.  To set the image, either drag the desired image to this section, or click the '''Choose a File...''' button to be prompted to find an image file on your computer.  This uploaded image will be added to your '''<span style="font-family:Pictos;">P</span> [[Art Library]]'''. Once one is added, you can change the image to something else by hovering your mouse over this area and clicking the '''Change Image''' link that appears.<br />
  
The '''Game&lsquo;s''' '''Creator''' can hover over a '''Player&lsquo;s''' icon to manipulate the permissions for that '''Player'''.
+
===Game Name===
* '''Promote to GM''' will grant that Player GM status in the Game, commonly called a '''co-GM'''. This is useful for jointly running a '''Game''' with someone else or if the '''Creator''' would like to become a '''Player''' in a '''Game''' they created. Promoting someone to GM may also be beneficial in helping another user with GM-level features and or solving '''Game''' issues. Promoted to '''GMs''', have limited control over a '''Game''':
+
The Game Name is used to identify your game in the '''Game List''' and '''Looking For Group Listing''' (if enabled).You can change the Game Name at any time by clicking the name to edit it. Once you are satisfied with the change, you can click the '''Save''' button.<br />
** '''Cannot:'''
+
===Launch Game===
*** Change the next game time display.
+
[[File:Launch Game Button.png|thumb|left]]Clicking on the pink '''Launch Game''' button will launch the Game on the Roll20 Virtual Tabletop.<br style="clear:both;" />
*** Change the '''Game's''' description.
+
*** Change the '''Game's''' settings options, such as the version of Character Sheet that is set, toggling public access, changing the background image, toggling character import, or list the game in Looking for Players.
+
*** Delete the entire game.
+
*** Kick or Remove '''Players'''.  
+
*** Clear the Chat Archive.
+
*** A Co-GM will not have access to the original '''Game&lsquo;s''' '''Creator&lsquo;s''' image library, character journals, handouts, decks, rollable tables, and other games' pages, however those elements that are being used within the game are available to the Co-GM. Images that are being used within the games' pages can be manipulated by the Co-GM as long as they remain within the game editor. If the Co-GM removes any of these shared elements they will not be available unless the '''Game&lsquo;s''' '''Creator''' restores them to play.
+
** '''Can:'''
+
*** Full access to all layers.  
+
*** Create a new map page.
+
*** Put pictures and tokens to the tabletop from their image library.
+
*** Assign and edit tokens.
+
*** Add handouts, new characters, assign journals.
+
*** Move the Players ribbon to different maps.
+
*** Play music from the jukebox.
+
*** Read GM whispers.
+
*** Make macros and token actions and show or hide them from players.
+
*** Control dynamic lighting settings if the '''Game'&lsquo;s''' '''Creator''' is a '''Pro''' or '''Plus''' subscriber.
+
* '''Demote to Player''' will return a previously promoted '''GM''' back to '''Player'''.
+
* '''Kick from Game''' will remove a Player from the Game.
+
  
=== Menu ===
+
===Content===
The menu gives you access to additional facilities for the '''Game.'''
+
[[File:GameDetails Menu Content.png|thumb]]The '''Content Button''' has two menu options available when clicked: '''Chat Archive''' and '''External Journal'''. <br />
 +
<br />
 +
The Chat Archive will open a new window that displays the entire chat history of the game. There is a button in the top right to '''Hide Whispers''' in the chat log. Players can only see Whispers and GM rolls of which they were originally a participant.<br /><br />
 +
External Journal Access is available for games with Creators who are paid subscribers. This option redirects to a new page where GMs can view all journal entries for unarchived Characters and Handouts within the game. Players also have access and can view any Characters or Handouts they have control permissions of within the game. Only the "Bio & Info" tab of a character is accessible from the External Journal. An individual's "Character Sheet" or "Attributes and Abilities" tabs can only be accessed within the VTT.<br style="clear:both;" />
  
[[File:GameDetails_Menu_JoinGame.png|thumb|left]]
+
===Looking for Players===
==== Join Game ====
+
[[File:GameDetails Menu LookingForPlayers.png|thumb]]
This menu allows you to join the '''Game''' on the Roll20 Virtual Table Top.
+
The Looking for Players menu allows a game's [[Creator]] to create or manage a [[Looking for Group|Looking for Group listing]].  Adding their game to Roll20's game directory will allow other Roll20 users to find and apply to join to it. You must include some basic information about your game in order to list it, including the type of game that you'll be playing and the date and time of the next game to be played.<br style="clear:both;" />
* Clicking on the '''Join Game''' button will launch the '''Game''' in Roll20 natively.
+
* Clicking the down arrow on the right will reveal the option to '''Launch in Google+'''.  Clicking on this link will begin the launch process of starting up the '''Game''' in a [[Playing_in_Google%2B_Hangouts|Google+ Hangout]].
+
  
[[File:GameDetails_Menu_Content.png|thumb|right]]
+
===Settings===
==== Content ====
+
[[File:Game_Settings_Menu_Options.jpg|thumb]]The Settings menu provides several options for the game. The game's Creator can access all of these options, while Promoted GMs have limited access. Players only have access to the '''Leave Game''' option detailed below.<br />
* '''Chat Archive''' will open a new window that displays the entire chat history of the Game. Whispers from players are not logged in the chat archive.
+
====Game Settings====
* '''External Journal''' is shown for '''Games''' with a '''Creator''' who has a '''Pro''' or '''Plus''' subscription.  This link provides [[Journal#External_Journal_Access|External Journal Access]]. '''GMs''' can view journal entries for unarchived '''Characters''' and '''Handouts'''. '''Players''' also have access and can view any Characters or Handouts they have control of in the '''Game'''.
+
{{main|Game Settings Page}}
  
[[File:GameDetails_Menu_LookingForPlayers.png|thumb|left]]
+
The [[Game Settings Page]] contains a number of settings such as what [[Character Sheet|character sheet]] is used and it's default settings, as well as {{Compendium}} settings such as [[Compendium Sharing]].
==== Looking for Players ====
+
The '''Looking for Players''' menu allows a '''Game's''' '''Creator''' to create or manage the [[Looking_for_Group#Create_Looking_for_Group_Listings|'''Looking for Group Listing''']] for their '''Game''' in Roll20's game directory where other Roll20 players can find it and apply to join it. You must include some basic information about your game in order to list it, including the type of game that you'll be playing and the date and time of the next game to be played.
+
  
[[File:GameDetails_Menu_Settings.png|thumb|right]]
+
====API Scripts====
==== Settings ====
+
This option will give the game’s [[GM#Creator|Creator]] and GMs access to the [[API:Use_Guide#The_Script_Editor|API Script Editor]]. The game's Creator must be a {{Pro}} subscriber for this feature to be available.
The '''Settings''' menu provides access to many configuration options for the '''Game'''.  The '''Game's''' '''Creator''' can access all of the options, while Promoted '''GMs''' can only access a couple.  '''Players''' instead have the '''Leave Game''' option detailed in the next section.
+
* '''Game Settings'''  will allow '''Creators''' to open a new window that displays the Game Settings. You can allow public access to '''Game''', change the '''Game's''' background image, allow players to import their own characters, or change the Character Sheet template.
+
* '''API Scripts''' gives '''Creators''' and '''GMs'' access to the [[API:Introduction|API Script Editor]]. The '''Game's''' '''Creator''' must be a '''Pro''' subscriber to have access to this feature.
+
* '''Copy Game'''  allows '''Creators''' to duplicate the '''Game'''. They can rename the duplicate, change its tags, and decide whether to keep all or none of the: Game Icon, Players and Player Settings (Including Macros), Pages, Decks and Rollable Tables, Chat Log, Journal (Characters & Handouts), Jukebox Playlist or the Game Forums. When you have everything designated for the duplicate you click on the '''I'm ready, Create Game!''' button.
+
* '''Clear Chat Archive''' allows '''Creators''' to '''PERMANENTLY''' delete the entire archived chat history from the '''Game'''.
+
* '''Delete Game''' will allow '''Creators''' to bring up a new window to confirm the deletion of the '''Game'''.
+
* '''Leave Game''' will be shown for '''GMs''' and allows them to leave a '''Game''' as detailed in the section below.
+
  
==== Leave Game ====
+
====[[Convert Lighting]]====
'''Players''' and '''GMs''' are given the option to leave a game by clicking this link.  Once they leave, they no longer have access to the '''Game'''.
+
This is used to convert the Dynamic Lighting settings of pages and tokens from the [[LDL|Legacy Dynamic Lighting]] to [[UDL|Updated Dynamic Lighting]].
  
=== Details ===
+
====Copy Game====
The next section down the page holds the '''Details''' section, which shows specific information about the '''Game''', from what will be played to when it will be played, as well as freeform text to describe the '''Game''' in detail.
+
This option allows the Creator to create a duplicate of the current game on their account. They can rename the duplicate, change its tags, and decide which elements are carried over to the copy:
  
==== Playing ====
+
* Players and Player Settings (Including [[Macros]])
This field shows what systems the '''Game's''' '''Creator''' has specified are being played in this '''Game'''.  The '''Creator''' can edit the the '''Playing''' list by clicking into the box and choosing Popular systems from the dropdown.
+
* [[Page Toolbar|Pages]]
* If you don't see your preferred system listed, choose '''Other Games'''
+
* [[Decks]] and [[Rollable Tables]]
* Only the first 2 systems alphabetically will be shown in the '''Looking For Group Listing''', so be sure to only choose two if you'll be using that system.
+
* Chat Log
 +
* {{Journal}} (Characters & Handouts)
 +
* {{Jukebox}} Playlist
 +
* Game Forums
  
==== Next Game Will Be ====
 
This field is where a '''Game's''' '''Creator''' can set the date and time when the next session will occur.  The time is automatically converted to the view's local timezone.
 
  
==== Game Description ====
+
Currently, the [[Game_Settings_Page#Character_Sheet_Template|Character Sheet Template]] will default to '''None''' during a copy, so you’ll want to select the same sheet to be used in the new game. When you have everything designated for the duplicate, click the blue '''I'm ready, Create Game!''' button.
This is where a '''Game's''' '''Creator''' can add a blurb advertising what to expect out of the game, flavor text or provide pre-requisites for potential players. This text field is really for anything the '''Creator''' feels would be convenient for the '''Players''' to know.
+
  
To edit the description simply click in the text and change the text to suit you. You can use [http://daringfireball.net/projects/markdown/ Markdown formatting] to customize the look of your description text.  When you are satisfied with your changes, click the '''Save Changes''' button.
+
====Clear Chat Archive====
 +
{{warning| "Clear Chat Archive" PERMANENTLY deletes the entire archived chat history from everyone.}}
 +
This option PERMANENTLY deletes the entire archived [[Chat Archive]] from the game.
  
=== Forum ===
+
Sometimes if the chat archive becomes corrupted, the {{Text Chat}} stops working, and it can be solved with Clearing the Chat Archive.
The '''Forum''' section shows the ten most recent posts from the '''Game Discussion Forum.'''
+
  
==== + Post New Topic ====
+
====Delete Game====
You can click the '''+ Post New Topic''' button to start a new thread on the '''Game Discussion Forum.'''
+
{{warning| Deleting game is irreversible for users, and shouldn't be done lightly. If you are lucky, Roll20 developers can recover the game for you.}}
 +
This option opens up a dialog box to confirm the Creators’ decision to delete the game.
 +
====[[Rollback|Roll Back]] Game====
 +
{{pro only|section}}
  
==== View All Posts ====
+
Between the hours of 4 and 6 AM PST, a save state is made for every game on Roll20. Seven days’ worth of save states are kept on file before they’re rewritten with new save states. Pro users have the ability to roll back their game to any save state available from the past seven days to correct any drastic mistakes made to their game.<br />
This link will take you to the full '''Game Discussion Forum'''. This is a mini forum exclusive to the '''Game'''. It behaves exactly like the public Roll20 forums. The '''Game's''' '''Creator''' has access to the Sink, Sticky, and Delete commands. The Sink command will keep a thread at the bottom of the forum regardless of activity. The Sticky Command will pin the thread to the top of the forum. The Delete command will remove the thread from the forum.
+
 
 +
To commit a rollback, click '''Roll Back Game'''. This brings up a dialog box that allows you to choose the date of the save state you would like to roll your game back to. Select the date and click on the pink '''Rollback''' button to initiate the rollback process. This may take a minute or two, but once finished, the Game Details Page will prompt you when the rollback has successfully completed. This process cannot be undone; however, you can choose to roll back again to a later save state you have available if you discover you’ve rolled back too far.
 +
 
 +
====Leave Game====
 +
This option is only visible to Players and GMs invited to the game. Once a player leaves a game, they no longer have access to the game and it will no longer show up on their Games Page.<br />
 +
 
 +
===Game Information===
 +
The next section below the Launch Game and Settings buttons shows specific information about the current game, from what system will be played to when it will be played.<br />
 +
 
 +
====Playing====
 +
This field shows what system(s) the Creator has specified are being played in this game. The Creator can edit the Playing list by clicking into the text field and choosing popular systems from the drop-down that appears.<br />
 +
 
 +
If you don't see your preferred system listed, choose Other Games. This list of available popular games are updated on a quarterly basis and if a game system surges in popularity, it gets added.<br />
 +
 
 +
Only the first two systems alphabetically will be shown in a Looking For Group listing, so be sure to only choose two if you'll be using that system to find players.
 +
====Next Game Will Be====
 +
This field is where the game Creator can set the date and time for the game’s next session. The time is automatically converted to the viewer's local timezone.<br />
 +
 
 +
Note: The time selector uses a 12-hour clock rather than a 24-hour clock. 12:00 AM is used to indicate Midnight (00:00) while 12:00 PM is used to indicate Noon. If you want a 24h clock option, it's recommended to vote & post in {{forum|post/1419527/24-hour-clock this suggestion}}.
 +
 
 +
====Game Description====
 +
This is where a Game's Creator can add a blurb advertising what to expect out of the game, adventure flavor text, or provide pre-requisites for potential players. This free-form text field is for anything the Creator feels would be convenient for the Players to know.<br />
 +
 
 +
To edit the description, simply click inside the text field to activate it and change the text to suit your needs. You can use Markdown formatting to customize the look of your description text. When you are satisfied with your changes, click the '''Save Changes''' button.
 +
 
 +
===Game Addons===
 +
[[File:Addons.png|framed|right|The Addon Section of the Game Details Page.]] [[Addons]], unlike [[Marketplace]] [[Marketplace#Modules|modules]], are smaller content packages that are meant to enhance your existing games such as: custom [[card|card decks]], maps, single encounter adventures and more. Once bought, these content packages are available via a dropdown menu in the Game Addons section of the Game Details Page. Select the one you wish to add and click on the {{button|Add to Game|bluelight}} button beside the drop-down menu. When a Game Addon is appended to the game, it will be added to a bulleted list underneath the "Addon in [Title of Current Game]" list. This list is shown underneath the addon drop down menu and the blue Add to Game button.<br /><br />
 +
 
 +
{{mbox | text = Adding an Addon more than once will overwrite the previous version of that addon you currently have added to your game. You will lose any changes you may have made, but this will also assists a GM who made any edits by mistake and wish to revert back to the original copy of the Addon.}}
 +
====Removing Addons====
 +
To remove any Game Addon content you've added to a game, you will need to delete it manually from inside the launched game. If you ever delete a Game Addon unintentionally, remove the Addon from the Addon List on the Game Details Page, then add it back in again.<br style="clear:both;" />
 +
 
 +
===[[Token Markers|Token Marker Sets]]===
 +
{{main|Token Markers}}
 +
 
 +
You can add custom '''Token Marker Sets''' that fits to your games. These sets must have been create in the [https://app.roll20.net/marker-library Token Marker Library] beforehand to be accessible to add to individual games.
 +
 
 +
===Game Patching===
 +
[[File:PatchUpdate.png|framed|center]]
 +
Occasionally, corrections need to be made to an existing module or game addon. A patch is made to correct the issues discovered. A notification will appear on the Game Details page when a patch is available for a module or addon installed on your game. Typically, a link will be included in the notification to the patch notes that lists all the changes that will be made by the patch.
 +
 
 +
To preserve as much of your edited content as possible, patches only overwrite the tabletop elements that were directly changed by the patch. It's worthwhile to check the patch notes before updating your game in the off chance you need to duplicate some journal entries to preserve player or GM edited module/addon content. Additionally, if a patch is making changes to a Page you and your players are currently active on, you may want to wait to update your game until after the group is between dungeons/maps. That way elements such as tokens, DL, etc aren't reset mid-combat between gaming sessions.
 +
 
 +
When you click on the '''Update''' button, your game will be sent into a queue to begin the update process. You can cancel the update while it's still sitting in queue and hasn't started processing. You will receive new notifications on the Details Page as a patch moves through the queue line to eventually begin processing the patch. This process can take a couple minutes to complete. Once done, you will receive a final notification that the patch has installed successfully.<br />
 +
 
 +
==Game Discussion Forum==
 +
{{:Game Discussion Forum}}
 +
 
 +
=See Also=
 +
* '''[[Game Settings]]''' The Settings that manages things related to [[Character Sheets]] & {{Compendium}} in individual games
 +
* '''[[User Interface|Roll20 Interface]]''' (inside the game)
 +
* '''[[My Games Page]]'''
 +
* [[Adding Character Sheet|Add Character Sheet to your Game]]
 +
* [[Gamemaster]]
 +
* [[Player]]
 +
* [[Library Campaign]] - A good idea for storing unused maps & characters
 +
* [[Optimizing Roll20 Performance]]
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
[[Category: Docs]]
 +
[[Category:Game Management]]

Latest revision as of 09:54, 23 April 2023

Attention: This page is community-maintained. For the official Roll20 version of this article, see the Help Center for assistance: Here .

The "Game Details" page for a  game.
This is a page detailing how to manage and changes settings for individual Games/Campaigns. See the My Games-page for info on all of your games.

[edit] Game Details Page

Each game you create in Roll20 has its own dedicated Details Page. This is where player invites can be managed as well as changing any of the game’s settings. Before they hop into the VTT, this is also the first page new players see after accepting an invite to a game. From this page, players can keep track of in-between session content, such as the next game session's date as well as asking questions and starting discussions via the game’s dedicated private forum.


The Game Settings Page contains a number of settings such as what character sheet is used and it's default settings, as well as i Compendium settings, such as Compendium Sharing.

Contents

[edit] Inviting and Managing Players

On the right hand side of this page is where you can invite and manage the players who will join your game. Within a single game, there are three different roles that a Roll20 user can assume:

[edit] Creator

The game’s Creator is the Roll20 user who originally created the game. There is only ever one Creator for a Roll20 game. They have complete control over all of the game's settings and any subscription perks (Dynamic Lighting, F/X Tool, Mod Scripts , etc…) that the game can benefit from are based on which subscription level the creator’s account currently has. Likewise, content such as Game Add-ons must be bought on the Creator’s account in order for them to be added to the game.

The Creator’s profile image and name are highlighted in purple in the upper right corner of this page. General use stats such as the account creation date and collective hours played are also listed. Clicking on either their name or their profile image will navigate to their Profile Page.

[edit] Player

Anyone else who joins the game will be listed as a Player. This section is listed right underneath the Creator in light grey. Players who join the game will be listed in this section with their profile icon followed by their name underneath. They are listed chronologically by when they first joined the game.

[edit] GM

Player Steve has been Promoted to the GM Role. His profile image now has a "GM" icon displayed over it to note the role.

The Creator of the game can promote one or more Players in a game to the role of GM(Game Master). A GM is granted access to alter, add, and delete most of the game's content within the game, as well as access a couple of features from the Game Details Page. For this reason, the Creator should practice discretion when promoting Players to this role so these privileges are not abused. A GM, like the Creator, will load into the game on the VTT in GM Mode rather than Player Mode.


A promoted player will have a blue “GM” tag added to the upper left of their profile icon in the Player List.

[edit] Inviting, Promoting, and Removing Players From a Game

[edit] Inviting Players

At the top of the light grey Players section is an Invite Players button. Clicking on this opens a dialog box that allow you to send invites out via email adresses, view pending invitations, and also list the game’s unique join link URL that you can copy and send to friends so they can join the game directly.

[edit] Promoting and Demoting Players

As the game’s creator, you have two options available to you when you hover your mouse over a player’s icon or name:

  • ‘’’Promote to GM/Demote to Player’’’: This will elevate a player to GM Status or demote a GM back to player status. This option changes depending on the current status of the player.


[edit] Removing a Player From the Game

  • ‘’’Kick from Game’’': This will remove the Player from the game, and change the unique "Invite Player" link URL of the game, disabling to old url. This will prevent the Player from rejoin the game with the previous join link.


To invite back a previously kicked player to the game, you need to share them the new invite link.

Selecting either of these two options will cause the page to reload to process the new changes.

The "Game Details" page for a  game.

[edit] Managing Your Game

The rest of this page covers information and settings for the game. Most of these options can only be altered by the game’s Creator.

[edit] Game Icon

At the top of the Game Details page is the Game Icon, which is an image used to represent your game in the Game List and Looking For Group Listing (if enabled). This image also helps convey the game’s theme to your players when they join it. To set the image, either drag the desired image to this section, or click the Choose a File... button to be prompted to find an image file on your computer. This uploaded image will be added to your P Art Library. Once one is added, you can change the image to something else by hovering your mouse over this area and clicking the Change Image link that appears.

[edit] Game Name

The Game Name is used to identify your game in the Game List and Looking For Group Listing (if enabled).You can change the Game Name at any time by clicking the name to edit it. Once you are satisfied with the change, you can click the Save button.

[edit] Launch Game

Launch Game Button.png
Clicking on the pink Launch Game button will launch the Game on the Roll20 Virtual Tabletop.

[edit] Content

GameDetails Menu Content.png
The Content Button has two menu options available when clicked: Chat Archive and External Journal.


The Chat Archive will open a new window that displays the entire chat history of the game. There is a button in the top right to Hide Whispers in the chat log. Players can only see Whispers and GM rolls of which they were originally a participant.

External Journal Access is available for games with Creators who are paid subscribers. This option redirects to a new page where GMs can view all journal entries for unarchived Characters and Handouts within the game. Players also have access and can view any Characters or Handouts they have control permissions of within the game. Only the "Bio & Info" tab of a character is accessible from the External Journal. An individual's "Character Sheet" or "Attributes and Abilities" tabs can only be accessed within the VTT.

[edit] Looking for Players

GameDetails Menu LookingForPlayers.png

The Looking for Players menu allows a game's Creator to create or manage a Looking for Group listing. Adding their game to Roll20's game directory will allow other Roll20 users to find and apply to join to it. You must include some basic information about your game in order to list it, including the type of game that you'll be playing and the date and time of the next game to be played.

[edit] Settings

Game Settings Menu Options.jpg
The Settings menu provides several options for the game. The game's Creator can access all of these options, while Promoted GMs have limited access. Players only have access to the Leave Game option detailed below.

[edit] Game Settings

Main Page: Game Settings Page

The Game Settings Page contains a number of settings such as what character sheet is used and it's default settings, as well as i Compendium settings such as Compendium Sharing.

[edit] API Scripts

This option will give the game’s Creator and GMs access to the API Script Editor. The game's Creator must be a
Pro
info subscriber for this feature to be available.

[edit] Convert Lighting

This is used to convert the Dynamic Lighting settings of pages and tokens from the Legacy Dynamic Lighting to Updated Dynamic Lighting.

[edit] Copy Game

This option allows the Creator to create a duplicate of the current game on their account. They can rename the duplicate, change its tags, and decide which elements are carried over to the copy:


Currently, the Character Sheet Template will default to None during a copy, so you’ll want to select the same sheet to be used in the new game. When you have everything designated for the duplicate, click the blue I'm ready, Create Game! button.

[edit] Clear Chat Archive

This option PERMANENTLY deletes the entire archived Chat Archive from the game.

Sometimes if the chat archive becomes corrupted, the q Text Chat stops working, and it can be solved with Clearing the Chat Archive.

[edit] Delete Game

This option opens up a dialog box to confirm the Creators’ decision to delete the game.

[edit] Roll Back Game

Between the hours of 4 and 6 AM PST, a save state is made for every game on Roll20. Seven days’ worth of save states are kept on file before they’re rewritten with new save states. Pro users have the ability to roll back their game to any save state available from the past seven days to correct any drastic mistakes made to their game.

To commit a rollback, click Roll Back Game. This brings up a dialog box that allows you to choose the date of the save state you would like to roll your game back to. Select the date and click on the pink Rollback button to initiate the rollback process. This may take a minute or two, but once finished, the Game Details Page will prompt you when the rollback has successfully completed. This process cannot be undone; however, you can choose to roll back again to a later save state you have available if you discover you’ve rolled back too far.

[edit] Leave Game

This option is only visible to Players and GMs invited to the game. Once a player leaves a game, they no longer have access to the game and it will no longer show up on their Games Page.

[edit] Game Information

The next section below the Launch Game and Settings buttons shows specific information about the current game, from what system will be played to when it will be played.

[edit] Playing

This field shows what system(s) the Creator has specified are being played in this game. The Creator can edit the Playing list by clicking into the text field and choosing popular systems from the drop-down that appears.

If you don't see your preferred system listed, choose Other Games. This list of available popular games are updated on a quarterly basis and if a game system surges in popularity, it gets added.

Only the first two systems alphabetically will be shown in a Looking For Group listing, so be sure to only choose two if you'll be using that system to find players.

[edit] Next Game Will Be

This field is where the game Creator can set the date and time for the game’s next session. The time is automatically converted to the viewer's local timezone.

Note: The time selector uses a 12-hour clock rather than a 24-hour clock. 12:00 AM is used to indicate Midnight (00:00) while 12:00 PM is used to indicate Noon. If you want a 24h clock option, it's recommended to vote & post in this suggestion(Forum).

[edit] Game Description

This is where a Game's Creator can add a blurb advertising what to expect out of the game, adventure flavor text, or provide pre-requisites for potential players. This free-form text field is for anything the Creator feels would be convenient for the Players to know.

To edit the description, simply click inside the text field to activate it and change the text to suit your needs. You can use Markdown formatting to customize the look of your description text. When you are satisfied with your changes, click the Save Changes button.

[edit] Game Addons

The Addon Section of the Game Details Page.
Addons, unlike Marketplace modules, are smaller content packages that are meant to enhance your existing games such as: custom card decks, maps, single encounter adventures and more. Once bought, these content packages are available via a dropdown menu in the Game Addons section of the Game Details Page. Select the one you wish to add and click on the Add to Game button beside the drop-down menu. When a Game Addon is appended to the game, it will be added to a bulleted list underneath the "Addon in [Title of Current Game]" list. This list is shown underneath the addon drop down menu and the blue Add to Game button.

[edit] Removing Addons

To remove any Game Addon content you've added to a game, you will need to delete it manually from inside the launched game. If you ever delete a Game Addon unintentionally, remove the Addon from the Addon List on the Game Details Page, then add it back in again.

[edit] Token Marker Sets

Main Page: Token Markers

You can add custom Token Marker Sets that fits to your games. These sets must have been create in the Token Marker Library beforehand to be accessible to add to individual games.

[edit] Game Patching

PatchUpdate.png

Occasionally, corrections need to be made to an existing module or game addon. A patch is made to correct the issues discovered. A notification will appear on the Game Details page when a patch is available for a module or addon installed on your game. Typically, a link will be included in the notification to the patch notes that lists all the changes that will be made by the patch.

To preserve as much of your edited content as possible, patches only overwrite the tabletop elements that were directly changed by the patch. It's worthwhile to check the patch notes before updating your game in the off chance you need to duplicate some journal entries to preserve player or GM edited module/addon content. Additionally, if a patch is making changes to a Page you and your players are currently active on, you may want to wait to update your game until after the group is between dungeons/maps. That way elements such as tokens, DL, etc aren't reset mid-combat between gaming sessions.

When you click on the Update button, your game will be sent into a queue to begin the update process. You can cancel the update while it's still sitting in queue and hasn't started processing. You will receive new notifications on the Details Page as a patch moves through the queue line to eventually begin processing the patch. This process can take a couple minutes to complete. Once done, you will receive a final notification that the patch has installed successfully.

[edit] Game Discussion Forum

Each game has an exclusive forum. It behaves exactly like the public Roll20 forums. Everyone in the game can create their own threads on this forum and also make replies. The game's Creator and GMs all have access to the Sink, Sticky/unsticky, Delete, and Restore commands on individual posts & comments within this forum.

  • Sink command will keep a thread at the bottom of the forum regardless of activity.
  • Sticky/unsticky Command will pin the thread to the top of the forum.
  • Delete command will remove the post's text from view by those who are not the Creator or GMs. Deleting the first post in a thread will remove the entire thread from the Game Discussion Forum.
    • posts & comments deleted by the Creator/GM becomes invisible to everyone(also Creator/GM), and can only be seen by the original writer.
  • Restore posts & comments deleted by the Creator/GM can only be restored by the writer of the post/comment, if the writer is Creator/GM.

This section of the Game Details Page only shows the ten most recent posts from the Game Discussion Forum. To see the entire discussion forum, click on the ‘’’View All Posts >’’’ link at the bottom of the Page.

Clicking on the + Post New Topic button redirect you to full Game Discussion Forum so that you can begin drafting a new forum thread.

[edit] See Also